A COMPANY executive was left covered in blood outside a leading hotel following a drink-fuelled punch-up with a steel industry rival, a court heard today.

A COMPANY executive was left covered in blood outside a leading hotel following a drink-fuelled punch-up with a steel industry rival, a court heard today.

Although the "black tie" dinner they attended earlier had been peaceful enough, tempers flared during a later session at the bar, it was claimed.

Problems apparently began when Brian Green made some "over-the-top" remarks about Craig Barnshaw's family construction business.

Gino Connor, prosecuting, said the pair promptly took off their tuxedos, went outside and squared up to each other.

The evidence suggested that following a further exchange, 53-year-old Mr Green - sales executive for Tipton-based Angle Ring company and by far the smaller and older of the two men - may have thrown the first punch.

But the barrister told jurors at London's Southwark Crown Court that even if that was the case it "did not justify the good hiding" he suffered in return.

A flurry of punches left him with a number of chipped teeth and blood pouring down his face, while bruising to his body could suggest the attack continued after he had slumped to the ground.

Mr Connor alleged that once he had finished, powerfully-built six-footer Barnshaw, 36, and managing director of Barnshaw Section Benders, left his victim on the pavement and headed for Stringfellows nightclub with some friends.

The company chief of Grooms Lane, Kemberton, Shropshire, denies one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on March 7 this year.

The court heard Mr Green used to work for Barnshaw's firm in Tividale, near Oldbury, but now regarded the West Midlands business as a rival.

But until nine months ago the emphasis had been on friendly competition with no suggestion of animosity.

Mr Connor said the men had travelled to London for the equivalent of a steel industry AGM.

Both indulged in a round or two of drinks with their respective colleagues, before moving on to the formal dinner at The Savoy.

"But it is not suggested either...was so drunk they didn't know what they were doing," said counsel.

He told jurors the first sign of bad blood came later that evening at the nearby Strand Palace Hotel where both men were staying.

"It may well be that Mr Green, having consumed alcohol, was a little over the top in what he was saying about Mr Barnshaw's company."

In any event the two men ended up outside shortly afterwards. Minutes later Mr Green was seen staggering into the hotel foyer "with blood streaming from his face".

He was later taken to hospital to have his wounds stitched.

An uninjured Barnshaw was eventually tracked down to his hotel room in the early hours of the following morning and arrested.

When interviewed he insisted the other man had "asked him out" and then thrown the first punch.

He added: "He was a drunk and drunk people can't hit people. They might throw a few punches but I would probably have just stood there all night with him punching me. I don't think he could have done much."

Mr Connor insisted his response had, however, been in "self defence" and was neither unlawful nor unreasonable in the circumstances.

"That is the issue you have to decide ladies and gentlemen of the jury," the barrister added.